Reading Public Safety Log: January 19–25, 2026
Compiled from official records by Townbrief | Edited by Dave Watkins
The following is a compilation of incidents and arrests recorded in the Reading Police Department's official public log for the period January 19–25, 2026. All persons listed are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Domestic violence incidents, sexual assaults, and juvenile matters are excluded per Massachusetts law (G.L. c. 41, section 98F).
Monday, January 19, 1:12 p.m. — Road Hazard: A metal object was reported in the roadway at the intersection of Haverhill and Franklin Streets; a 2019 VW Tiguan struck the metal plate in a related incident at Franklin Street and Lenetta Lane shortly after.
Monday, January 19, 4:14 p.m. — Larceny: A staff member at the Bear Mountain residential facility at the 1300 block of Main Street reported a female resident had lost $1,000.
Monday, January 19, 8:17 p.m. — Gas Odor: A gas odor was reported inside a residence on the 500 block of Summer Avenue; the fire department responded.
Monday, January 19, 9:11 p.m. — Mutual Aid: Stoneham Police requested assistance after stolen keys were tracked as pinging within Reading.
Tuesday, January 20, 7:21 a.m. — Road Closure: Mt. Vernon Street at Middlesex Avenue was closed; access was available via Middlesex Avenue.
Tuesday, January 20, 2:32 p.m. — Identity Theft: A resident on the 50 block of Riverside Drive reported an unauthorized credit card had been opened in their name.
Tuesday, January 20, 2:55 p.m. — Disturbance: A male exited a vehicle and confronted and yelled at a crossing guard at Birch Meadow Drive and Arthur B. Lord Drive.
Tuesday, January 20, 3:32 p.m. — Larceny: A male resident at the Bear Mountain facility on the 1300 block of Main Street reported a stolen wallet and debit card.
Tuesday, January 20, 5:14 p.m. — Fraud: A woman reported a gift card scam at 7 Augustus Court.
Tuesday, January 20, 5:57 p.m. — Assist: An elderly woman in a wheelchair was found stuck in snow on the sidewalk near Haven and Gould Streets; fire and police responded.
Wednesday, January 21, 3:41 a.m. — Disturbance: A disturbance between a patient and staff was reported at the Bear Mountain facility on the 1300 block of Main Street.
Wednesday, January 21, 9:35 a.m. — Fire Alarm: A fire alarm at the 300 block of Main Street was transmitted; the alarm company reported it.
Wednesday, January 21, 11:58 a.m. — Road Hazard: A stop sign was reported down at Gould and Ash Streets.
Wednesday, January 21, 12:02 p.m. — Threats: A resident at the Bear Mountain facility on the 1300 block of Main Street reported verbal abuse by a staff member, related to an earlier disturbance at the same address.
Wednesday, January 21, 2:18 p.m. — Assist: A wheelchair-bound woman was found stuck in a snow bank near 5 Harnden Street; officers assisted.
Wednesday, January 21, 6:46 p.m. — Elevator Entrapment: Occupants were trapped in an elevator at an apartment building on the 30 block of Taylor Drive; fire department responded.
Thursday, January 22, 7:13 a.m. — Road Closure: Bancroft Avenue from Lowell Street to Middlesex Avenue was closed.
Thursday, January 22, 8:05 a.m. — Road Closure: Curtis Street from South Street to Walnut Street was closed.
Thursday, January 22, 8:42 a.m. — Arrest: A subject was arrested at the 24 block of Haverhill Street on three outstanding warrants. (See review note — name, age, and town of residence were not included in the log.)
Thursday, January 22, 11:33 a.m. — Suspicious Activity: A resident on the 500 block of West Street reported a male going door to door asking to shovel driveways.
Thursday, January 22, 4:03 p.m. — Motor Vehicle Crash: A two-vehicle crash with no injuries was reported at Woburn and Linden Streets.
Thursday, January 22, 4:34 p.m. — Suspicious Activity: A caller reported a person placing offensive stickers on cars in the Bank of America ATM area on the 200 block of Main Street.
Thursday, January 22, 6:50 p.m. — Threats: A male on the 14 block of Mineral Street reported feeling threatened by a contractor.
Thursday, January 22, 8:08 p.m. — Disturbance / Larceny: A caller at the 60 block of Walkers Brook Drive (Home Depot) reported a male fell on a motor vehicle and a verbal disagreement ensued. (Log categorizes this as shoplifting; description does not match — see review note.)
Thursday, January 22, 8:18 p.m. — Power Line Fire: A power line was reported down and on fire on the 23 block of Ridge Road; fire department responded.
Thursday, January 22, 8:53 p.m. — Possible Electrical Fire: A possible electrical fire in a kitchen area was reported at 39 Walkers Brook Drive (Longhorn Steakhouse area); fire department transmitted a box alarm.
Thursday, January 22, 11:10 p.m. — Gas Leak: A gas leak alarm was transmitted for the 23 block of Oak Street; fire department responded.
Friday, January 23, 7:09 a.m. — Road Closure: Bancroft Avenue from Lowell Street to Middlesex Avenue was closed with no access; detours were in place.
Friday, January 23, 3:00 p.m. — Brush Fire: A possible brush fire was reported near railroad tracks on New Crossing Road; fire department responded.
Friday, January 23, 3:19 p.m. — Hazard: An extension ladder was reported leaning against street wires on the 8 block of Grove Street.
Friday, January 23, 4:23 p.m. — Hazard: A tractor-trailer struck and knocked down signs near the rotary on the 55 block of Jacob Way.
Friday, January 23, 4:33 p.m. — Motor Vehicle Crash: A two-vehicle crash with no injuries was reported on the 31 block of Harnden Street.
Friday, January 23, 5:03 p.m. — **Vand